The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said the eagle, along with an illegally taken wood duck and two deer, were found in the freezer. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported James Joshua Sharpe and Margaret Anne Jacob have been charged in the case. Sharpe is facing multiple charges including unlawful possession of birds or parts.

The arrests were first reported by the DNR on Facebook in late June, after DNR Ranger 1st Class Jason Miller received a tip that someone was in possession of a dead eagle and had made calls about having the bird mounted.

According to the DNR:

RFC Miller, Sgt. Brian Hobbins and a detective from the Bulloch County SO went to the residence and interviewed two suspects who were also in possession of an illegally taken wood duck and two illegally taken deer form earlier in the year.

Possible weapons violations are also being looked into by the Sheriff’s Office. The eagle and duck were both seized as evidence and can be donated to an educational institution once the case has been settled.

Eagles are protected by state and federal law, as are other non-game migratory birds, which includes all common songbirds, under the Migratory Bird Act.

This week, Capt. Scott Klingel said the investigation was ongoing, including how the eagle perished.